What is one method for athletes to cope with a crisis of meaning related to sports participation?

Defining sports participation as an act of worship offers athletes a profound way to cope with crises of meaning. This perspective allows athletes to frame their involvement in sports not merely as a pursuit of competition or physical excellence but as a deeper expression of values, beliefs, and connections to something greater than themselves. By viewing participation in this way, athletes can cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends the pressures and challenges they may face, thus providing a stabilizing framework during difficult times.

In contrast, simply engaging in more social activities might foster a sense of community but may not address the core meaning athletes derive from their sport. Increasing training hours could lead to burnout or exacerbate feelings of disconnection, and joining other competitive teams could provide temporary distraction but might not resolve the underlying crisis of meaning. Focusing on the spiritual or worshipful aspect of sports participation encourages a holistic understanding of their athletic journey, facilitating resilience and deeper emotional engagement with the sport.